Journey Among Cannibals

Ah, the 1960s! A decade when daring adventurers roamed the globe, and cannibalism was apparently still a viable career choice for the adventurous spirit. Enter "Journey Among Cannibals," a literary escapade penned by the ever-so-enthusiastic George Baker, who presumably took his research notes during a rather peculiar holiday. This book, published by Lutterworth in 1963, promises to whisk you away on a truly bizarre expedition into the culinary traditions of the world’s more, shall we say, carnivorous cultures.

This has a sticker on the inside stating that it was presented to a girl by the Sunday School in November 1966.

Imagine the clattering typewriter, the frenzied scribbles, and then the gallant decision to print a book with a title as bold as an uninvited guest at a dinner party. This is no ordinary travelogue, mind you. Baker’s prose is a wild blend of fascination and absurdity, where the line between curiosity and horror blurs like the vision of a bewildered tourist suddenly faced with a menu item that reads more like a dare than a delicacy.

But what can you expect from a book that likely had its cover designed by someone who was either very brave or slightly unhinged? Inside, you might find tantalizing tales of exotic destinations and the peculiar dining habits of tribes who have, shall we say, unconventional tastes. With every turn of the page, readers are treated to the delightful juxtaposition of gastronomic wonder and a tinge of existential dread that perhaps suggests that the author had not fully thought through his choice of subject matter while enjoying his afternoon tea.

As you wade through Baker’s eccentricities, you may find yourself questioning your own relationship with food and culture. Did the author truly believe he was documenting culinary anthropology, or was this an elaborate prank meant to confuse future generations about the true nature of dinner etiquette? Who knows! The book’s peculiar charm lies in its earnestness, making it a curious artifact of an era when cultural sensitivity was a mere whisper in the wind.

Among the many surprises packed within these pages, you can look forward to:

• Vivid descriptions of meals that may or may not have involved a ‘bring your own bone’ policy.
• Intriguing insights into the social dynamics of cannibalistic feasts—because nothing says ‘community’ like sharing a meal!
• A plethora of warnings about the perils of anthropological dining—where being ‘well-done’ can take on a whole new meaning.
• George Baker’s questionable moral compass as he attempts to reconcile his fascination with more than just cuisine.
• Photos that may or may not have been taken at the local butcher’s, adding an air of authenticity that seems just a touch forced.

Condition: Used and well-loved, this book bears the marks of a journey through time, complete with the occasional coffee ring and a page or two lovingly dog-eared by avid readers who have either lived to tell the tale or simply wish they hadn’t. The spine is cracked, perhaps from the weight of its own audacity, and the pages have a delightful crinkly texture that suggests they’ve been handled by those both horrified and fascinated by its contents.

So, if you’re looking to spice up your bookshelf with a tome that’s equal parts horror and hilarity, "Journey Among Cannibals" is the perfect choice. Just be sure to keep it away from the dinner table—unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous. Find it at Crappy Old Books, where every selection promises a journey, albeit one that may lead you to second thoughts about your next meal.

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